Skip to main content

80 million travelers expected this Thanksgiving — find out where they’re going and how to avoid jams

A record number of drivers are expected to hit the road this Thanksgiving.

Cars in traffic
wal_172619 / Pixabay

As Thanksgiving approaches, AAA’s 2024 Travel Forecast predicts a record-breaking 79.9 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home during the holiday period. This figure marks a 1.7 million increase from last year and surpasses pre-pandemic travel levels by 2 million, making Thanksgiving 2024 one of the busiest in history.

“Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel, and this year we’re expecting to set new records across the board, from driving to flying and cruising,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “Americans reconnect with family and friends over Thanksgiving, and travel is a big part of that. AAA continues to see travel demand soar post-pandemic with our members looking for new adventures and memorable vacations.” 

Recommended Videos

The most popular Thanksgiving destinations

Palm trees in Orlando, Florida
Drew Coffman / Unsplash

When it comes to the most popular Thanksgiving destinations, warm-weather locations dominate the list. These are the top 10 Thanksgiving travel destinations, according to AAA’s report.

  1. Orlando, Florida
  2. Miami, Florida
  3. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  4. New York, New York
  5. Anaheim/Los Angeles, California
  6. Tampa, Florida
  7. Honolulu, Hawaii
  8. San Francisco, California
  9. Las Vegas, Nevada
  10. Atlanta, Georgia

Avoiding traffic: when to travel

Congested traffic on highway
Daniel Lee / Unsplash

AAA’s Thanksgiving Travel Forecast, in partnership with INRIX, provides key insights into when travelers should hit the road to dodge the holiday rush. According to the study, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons are the worst times to drive, with traffic congestion peaking as both holiday travelers and regular commuters flood the roads.

For those looking to avoid gridlock, Thanksgiving Day itself is the best time to travel. Highways and interstates are typically clear as most travelers have already reached their destinations.

When it’s time to head home, timing is everything. Drivers returning on Sunday should leave early in the morning to bypass the worst of the traffic. Travelers opting for Monday will face a mix of returning holiday drivers and work commuters, so driving in the early morning or late at night is preferable.

Amanda Teague
Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer featured in several online publications, is a dedicated explorer of both the world…
Los Angeles travel guide: Where to stay, what to eat, and more
Everything you should do in the beautiful city of LA
Los Angeles, CA

Visiting Los Angeles is a bucket list experience that everyone should have at least once. Rich in history, from its roots with the Chumash and Tongva Native American tribes to its evolution into the world's entertainment capital, LA is a city that offers something for everyone. Whether you're on a California road trip or exploring the best spots in California, LA's blend of glitz, culture, and beauty makes it one of the world's top destinations.

From iconic beaches and scenic drives along the Pacific Coast Highway to eclectic neighborhoods, trendy restaurants, and amazing Hollywood attractions, LA has endless ways to keep you entertained. Let's jump into this Los Angeles travel guide and explore the best things to do, the top places to stay, and the dining options you don't want to miss.
Where to stay

Read more
Austin Texas travel guide: Where to stay, what to eat, and more
Austin travel guide that explores all the city has to offer
A picture of the Austin skyline and ladybird lake

Austin, Texas is truly the city that never stops buzzing with energy. Known as the "Live Music Capital of the World," Austin is a bustling city where the sound of country, blues, and rock spills out of every venue, from cozy dive bars to large concert halls. But there's more to this cool Texas town than just music -- Austin's unofficial motto, "Keep Austin Weird," perfectly sums up the eclectic vibe here. Austin celebrates individuality at every turn, evident in the city's quirky street art, offbeat shops, and funky local businesses.
A big part of the city's charm comes from its college culture, with the University of Texas adding a youthful buzz to the city's already electric atmosphere. And you can't forget about the food -- Austin is a BBQ lover's paradise, with mouthwatering smoked meats that will have you coming back for seconds (or even thirds).

In this guide, we'll cover where to stay, the best places to eat, must-see attractions, and a few tips on how to save some cash along the way.
Where to stay

Read more
Where to thrift: the top U.S. cities for secondhand finds
You're sure to score some deals in these cities.
Thrift shop

If you love the thrill of hunting for unique treasures and scoring budget-friendly deals, this news is for you. A new study by CouponFollow has revealed the best U.S. cities for thrift shopping, spotlighting places where variety, affordability, and quality secondhand items reign supreme.

Thrifting isn’t just a hobby, it’s also a major money-saver. According to the study, the average American saves $2,000 a year by shopping secondhand. Whether you’re curious to see if your city made the list or planning your next travel adventure around thrift store stops, these destinations are worth exploring.
The best cities in America for thrifting

Read more